The Belmont University College of Pharmacy American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (BUCOP APhA-ASP) held their first patient care event of the 2012-2013 school year in conjunction with Barren Plains Hispanic Ministry. The Ministry is a mission of the First Baptist Church of Joelton that provides regular meals and church services to migrant workers that come to Middle Tennessee for the fall harvest season.

Thirteen student pharmacists and two faculty members traveled to Springfield, TN to offer free blood glucose and blood pressure screenings as well as provide patient education regarding diabetes and hypertension to promote healthy living practices to 33 participants.  Individuals were given basic first aid kits that were graciously donated by BUCOP’s faculty, students and staff. BUCOP APhA-ASP will be returning to Barren Plains Hispanic Ministry to continue their outreach with the group next month to offer flu vaccinations.

In addition, members of the Class of 2016 recently volunteered time at Second Harvest Food Bank as part of the university’s annual SERVE, Students Engaging and Restoring through Volunteer Experiences, project.  Seventy five students volunteered and were joined by three faculty members, Dr. Kristina Wood, Dr. Angela Hagan and Dr. Kelley Kiningham.  SERVE has been an annual Welcome Week tradition at Belmont for more than a decade.